25th Anniversary of Pope's Visit to Ireland

On this date in 1979, Pope John Paul II became the first reigning Pope to ever visit Ireland. He called for an end to all violence and pleaded that the people return to "the ways of peace."

BBC News recalls the event by republishing this story which first appeared on September 29, 1979:

He was loudly applauded at Drogheda when he said, in a direct address to the consciences of both terrorists and politicians: "I appeal to you in language of passionate pleading.

"On my knees I beg you to turn away from the paths of violence and return to the ways of peace."

He continued: "To Catholics, to Protestants, my message is peace and love. May no Irish Protestant think the Pope is an enemy, a danger or a threat."

Read more: 1979: Pope calls for peace in Ireland